Even though mumps is uncommon in Canada and France, there are regular outbreaks of epidemics. These start mainly in people whose vaccines are not up to date or in those who have received a single dose of the preventive vaccine.

Outbreaks frequently occur in many parts of the world. Travelers can contract the virus abroad and transmit it to unimmunized children in North America or Europe.

Mumps can be prevented with the triple vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, called MMR in Quebec, MMR in France. Two doses of the vaccine are required to be fully protected against mumps.

The routine immunization schedule in Canada calls for the administration of 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, rubella, mumps) or MMRV (combined with the varicella vaccine). A first injection takes place around the age of 12 to 15 months and the second dose, at 18 months or from 4 to 6 years (before entering school).

In France, the first dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended at 12 months and the second dose should be administered between 13 and 24 months. In children who are received in a community before the age of 12 months, it is recommended to have them vaccinated from the age of 9 months for the first dose, then between 12 and 15 months for the second dose.

For those who have not been vaccinated, two doses of MMR / MMR (Canada) or MMR (France) may be given at least 6 weeks apart, until the age of 12 years. A second dose can also be given to children under 12 who have only received one dose of the vaccine.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with mumps, watch out for certain symptoms that may be a sign of complications.